1 in 3 Brits against Canadian governor

Nearly a third of Britons say it is “unacceptable” for a Canadian citizen to be made governor of the Bank of England

Mark Carney, a Canadian citizen and former governor of the Bank of Canada, was scouted by Chancellor George Osborne for the top job at Britain’s central bank. He starts as governor of the Bank of England on Monday, which is also Canada’s national day.

New YouGov research reveals a plurality (48%) of Britons support Carney’s appointment, while 31% think it is unacceptable and nearly a quarter (22%) are undecided.

Most and least acceptable nationalities for senior roles

The survey also asked respondents for their views on whether it would be acceptable or unacceptable for citizens from certain other countries to be given senior roles, like governor of the Bank of England.

While Britons are somewhat tepid to any foreigner being appointed to high office, the poll shows that, at 48%, Canadians have the highest support, followed by Australians (43%) and Americans (40%).

Meanwhile, pluralities of Britons are opposed to someone from France (47%), Germany (43%) and Switzerland (40%) being given a senior role like BoE governor.

The three nationalities that British people are most opposed to giving senior roles to are Iranians (63%), Chinese (60%) and Russians (60%).

Carney, formerly of Goldman Sachs, has been described as a "rock star banker" and will be the first non-British governor in the institution's 300-year history.